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Van 't Schip excited by Heart takeover

Ben McKay

Melbourne Heart boss John van 't Schip says Melbourne Heart's takeover by English Premier League giants Manchester City makes him keener to stay on as a long-term coach.

Van 't Schip, the club's foundation coach, was appointed last month until the end of the A-League season after the sacking of John Aloisi while the club sought a new long-term boss.

While he was keen to focus on the immediate task of lifting Heart from the A-League's basement, the former Ajax and Netherlands coach revealed he found the huge ambition driving the club's new owners exhilarating.

"Everybody was excited about it and still is," he said.

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"It's massive for the club and for Australian football in general.

"The biggest reason (I left) was the growth of the club was difficult, there was not really a next step.

But with the new owners coming in that's all different.

"It's normal that if you see that you want to be a part of that.

"But it's not of any importance now. My main role now is to help the team and get out of this difficult situation."

The club's makeover includes a complete review from top to bottom - from players and staff right through to team colours and name and the potential for investment in a new training base.

Heart face an uphill battle to keep fans onside during the process, promising to consult and inform supporters quickly on changes but conversely save any major changes until the off-season.

Fan opinion on the move is split, with many already petitioning the club to keep Heart's red and white stripes rather than move to Manchester's sky blue.

"You're getting a lot of expertise in, you're getting people in who want to grow the club and I think that's what it's all about," van 't Schip said.

Postecoglou said the exciting news would challenge other A-League clubs to step up.

"Manchester City are a serious organisation," he told Fox Sports.

"What it needs now is some investment to take and develop it further and they're saying all the right things and there's an understanding of what's required.

"Part of that is training facilities and the development of youth programs and they're really big on that."

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Sorian and football director Txiki Begiristain were in Epping on Thursday, addressing Heart players and staff but were unlikely to be impressed by the modest facilities.

Van 't Schip was clear he thought investment in a new base was paramount.

"To have a base is very important, it's like having a home. From there you can build further," he said.

"Having a base, an academy is so important. All those things they're going to work on."